It's Time to Buy Some Christmas Presents for Yourself

Many boomerpreneurs are bootstrapping their business, making do with as small a capital outlay as possible. While not spending yourself into a hole is wise, refusing to invest when you need to can cause problems, too. Particularly in the area of technology, it's critical to have the tools you need to get the job done. Just as you can't drive your car without gas, you can't keep things in your business flowing if you don't have the tools. The main areas you want to look at are:

•         hardware

•         software

•         business and office supplies

In the area of hardware, today's computers have advanced to the level that you could likely run a small country from a laptop or iPad. That's not to say that you need an iPad, or even a laptop. In fact, as long as you have a PC or Mac, a printer, and dependable internet access, you've got the basics covered. You may also want to look at a mobile phone or iPad that will allow you to get online when you're on the road – provided that you do actually head out on the road. If you're strictly desk-bound, skip the portable devices and invest instead in the latest software to help you keep track of your business.

Software comes in a number of flavors. For most small businesses, you'll need:

•         A word processing program. MicrosoftOffice Word is standard, but OpenOffice (available for free online) is a cost-free and versatile option.

•         An accounting program. On one end, you can keep track of your budget and spending with a simple spreadsheet. If you want more bells and whistles, try Quicken or Quickbooks.

You may also want to consider a graphic design program. Even if you outsource all your graphic design needs, you may still will want the ability to make small adjustments (price, etc.) to your “Buy Now” buttons, easily handled with Photoshop Elements. If you want to be able to design your own pamphlets, brochures, PDFs and more on your Mac, check out Apple's Pages.

The good news about technology is that it's readily available and relatively inexpensive. The bad news is, the new versions come so fast and furious that no sooner have you invested in the latest and greatest, than it's already obsolete! But before you plunk down your credit card to upgrade, ask yourself:

•         Is not having this holding me back?

•         What am I hoping to do that I cannot do now?

•         How much will it cost me to upgrade?

•         If I make this investment, how long until it pays off?

•         Do I have the cash to pay for this?

If your answers to the above questions are satisfactory, go ahead and invest. Do your research online to find specials or the best deal, and after you make your purchase, see if there is an affiliate program.  If so, sign up as an affiliate and tell others about your recommendations. That way you can convert your expense into a revenue stream – and get a gift that keeps on giving all year long!

Overcoming the Technology Hurdle

If you are a member of my generation, then you may be a bit technology-challenged.  I know it took me a while to learn the difference between a blog and a website, what a URL was, or how to host a teleseminar.  Sometimes it's a bit embarrassing to admit my grandchildren are as comfortable with the computers as I am.  Even the 3-year old is pretty computer savvy!  But hey!  I didn't grow up with computers everywhere like they did. 

Are you in this boat?  Are you sitting in front of your computer with a dream, a great idea, and no clue how to get started because you don't understand the technical stuff?  Are you on the verge of quitting because you don't know where to learn?  Or maybe you - like me - are just a little embarrassed to ask.  Or perhaps you are just overwhelmed.  How are you supposed to find time to learn all this technical stuff while trying to build a business, learn how to market online, care for your family, take care of your home, and still have some time for yourself?  The answer is simple.  Just like everything else, you take it one step at a time.

Step #1: Assess your general computer skills.  Build on the ones you already have and learn the ones you don't.

I am going to assume that if you are reading this blog, you are comfortable enough with a computer to use basic programs like browsers and emails.  If you are not comfortable with this, there are places to learn.  Many community colleges and senior centers offer introductory computer courses.  And the best part is that many of them are free or very inexpensive.  These courses will teach you the basic skills necessary to get started on your computer.  If you can't find a class near you, then there are books available at your local library that can also teach you basic computer skills.  If you want to invest in books of your own, I recommend the "Dummies" books.  I'm sure you have seen these.  It's a series of books on everything under the sun explained very simply.  I personally own Internet Marketing for Dummies, Marketing for Dummies, Social Media Marketing for Dummies, and Laptops for Dummies.  You can find these at any bookstore or at Amazon.com.

Step #2: Learn your way around the internet.

Once you're comfortable with your basic computer skills, it's time to move on to your Internet skills. You need to know your way around the internet if you want to build a successful online business!
This doesn't mean you need to know all the technical details of how the internet works.  I sure don't! 
But you need to understand the basic principles of how websites work, what a search engine is, what is a domain name, and how everything fits together on the Web.  I learned all this the hard way.  Too late I discovered my favorite series of books has one called 'The Internet for Dummies.'  I highly recommend you use it to learn all you need to learn your way around the internet.

Step #3: Learn to build a website.

Some people will tell you that you don't need to know anything about building websites in order to have a successful business on the internet. All you have to do is hire web designers to do it for you. I don't agree.  First, web designers can be expensive.  And as I have again learned the hard way, they can be unreliable and difficult to deal with.  You must have control of your website.  Now, you can take a web design course if you want to learn to build your website completely on your own.  A better choice is to do what I did.  First, read 'Web Design for Dummies.'  Not to become an expert but to learn enough to use a great web design program.  I use SBI!  It's a great way to build a website of your own without having to become a web design expert. 

Three steps to become technology-smart.  Now you're ready to start your business!  And I have lots of resources to help you with that.  Just go to Boomer Business Ideas to learn all you need to know about getting your business started. 

Starting a business on the Internet without any technical skills can be overwhelming. But like most challenges in life, if you break it down into steps and then take these steps one at a time, you will be surprised at how quickly you progress.